I have a 64 f100 that originally had manual steering but somone has put power assist steering on it. I recently broke the high pressure line and am wondering if I can let the power steering pump spin without fluid in it. My guess is that it needs the lubrication. I have to leave the pump on it becasue that is the belt that runs the water pump. Second option is to run a line directly from the high pressure outlet to the return on the pump. Can I do that? Hopefully I dont have to wait for a new hose.
Nick

 

If It were me I would not drive the truck until the parts come in. However you can route the pressure line over to the return port. Make sure to add as much line as you can so you don't damage the pump by over heating it. Running a pump empty with kill it.

 

Thanks for the advice. I just checked with a local shop and they made the hose for me. I got it all put back together and went to bleed the power assist steering and noticed one direction it works great but the other doesn't work well at all. The pump starts to make a little noise and it really boggs the motor down even without the tires on the ground. Took it for a little test drive and it turns really well to the right but fights me going to the left. Any one out know how these control valves work. Are they adjustable?

Nick

 

You have air stuck in the system. Your going to have to work it back and forth to bleed the air out. Check to make sure you still have enough fluid each time you rotate the wheel back and forth. Rack and pinnion steering does that as well.

 

Why not reroute the belts?

bob

 

I have gone back and forth probably 100 times and it still isn't getting any better. Maybe there is a trick to bleeding this type of setup. I would guess to get it fully bled the piston has to travel its full cycle to push air out and maybe the wheel stops are blocking its full travel. maybe I will try removing one end of the ram and let the cylinder extend and retract fully.

Nick

 

I think I may have answered my own question. I guess there is an adjusting nut that positions the valve inside. If it isn't adjusted properly the system will favor turning one direction. It is probably either that or it needs to be rebuilt. I think I will still try and bleed it again just to make sure.

 

I just found an article that said to raise the front of the vehicle off the ground and support it with jackstands. Then once it is raised up turn the wheels lock to lock with the engine off. Sounds kind of fishy to me but if you still have no luck bleeding the air out you might want to give it a try.

 

Thanks for the info. I won't be able to get to it for a couple of days.

Nick